BBC defiant after ‘Fake Sheikh’ hits 
out in row over exposé

James Harding confirmed yesterday that the corporation would broadcast the programme about Mr Mahmood once new information has been evaluated.

Now the reporter, dubbed the “Fake Sheikh” for the persona he adopted when carrying out undercover stings, has issued a statement asking people to “keep an open mind on any allegations”.

Mr Mahmood said he had been “forced into making a statement to correct the impression they (the BBC) have given”.

He added: “I hope the BBC will see sense and postpone any broadcast until the conclusion of any proceedings. I hope then that they will review and consider the evidence properly (and not threaten broadcast without the full facts) and stop the broadcast.

“This may be a vain hope. They are determined to condemn me whatever the truth. In the meantime, if they do go ahead, I would ask anyone interested to keep an open mind on any allegations they do indeed make.”

The programme, featuring up-to-date images of the “Fake Sheikh”, was not broadcast on Monday night despite a ruling in the Court of Appeal refusing Mr Mahmood an injunction to stop the screening.

The BBC made the decision after receiving new information relating to one case in the documentary from Mr Mahmood’s lawyers.

Mr Mahmood was criticised after the collapse of the drugs trial of pop star Tulisa Contostavlos in July, when a judge said there were grounds to believe he had lied.

The journalist said the BBC had publicised “the fact that their programme will condemn me, called me a crook and tweeted mocking messages”.

His statement comes after Mr Harding said, in a speech yesterday to the Society of Editors, that the documentary would be aired as soon as possible and the BBC had received the latest information “we’d been asking to see for many days” only shortly before the programme was due to be broadcast.